7th Circuit blocks mass release of Chicago ICE detainees
A 7th Circuit panel narrowly blocked a district judge’s order to release hundreds of immigrants arrested in the Chicago-area enforcement action dubbed "Operation Midway Blitz," saying in a 2–1 decision that Judge Cummings overstepped even as it faulted the administration for treating all arrestees as subject to mandatory detention. The crackdown has produced more than 4,000 arrests, touches a six‑state consent decree (Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky and Wisconsin), and immigrant advocates like NIJC pledge to keep working to reunite detainees with their families as related federal rulings elsewhere limit warrantless arrests.
📌 Key Facts
- A 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel blocked a blanket release of Chicago-area ICE detainees in a 2–1 decision, finding that Judge Cummings overstepped even as it faulted the administration for treating all arrestees as subject to mandatory detention.
- The enforcement action was named "Operation Midway Blitz," and the Chicago-area crackdown tied to it has resulted in more than 4,000 arrests.
- The litigation implicates a consent decree that covers six states: Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky and Wisconsin.
- The appeals court opinion both restricted the district court’s mass-release order and criticized the government’s categorical detention approach, leading to the blocking of mass releases.
- The National Immigrant Justice Center’s Keren Zwick said the organization will keep working to reunite detainees with their families.
- The decision comes amid other recent federal rulings — for example in Colorado — that have limited warrantless arrests.
📊 Relevant Data
The Asian population in metro Chicago has grown by an estimated 11.6% since 2020, more than double the rate of growth for the next highest group, driven largely by immigration.
Census Bureau estimates show fast-growing Asian population in metro Chicago — Chicago Sun-Times
In Chicago, the immigrant population reached nearly 600,000 in 2024, its highest level since 2006, with almost 40% of immigrants from Mexico and over 800,000 residents identifying as Hispanic.
A portrait of immigrants in Chicago: Immigrant population reaches its highest level since 2006 — WBEZ
Ninety-seven percent of hundreds of undocumented immigrants arrested in Chicago's recent immigration raids had no criminal record.
Records show hundreds of immigrants arrested in Chicago had no criminal histories — NPR
ICE operations in Chicago have targeted Black neighborhoods, resulting in arrests of Black immigrants and raising concerns about racial profiling.
Trump's ICE Raids Stir Fear in Black Chicago Neighborhoods — Capital B News
Empirical studies confirm that sanctuary policies have no impact on general crime rates or actually reduce them, with 35.5 fewer crimes per 10,000 people in sanctuary counties compared to non-sanctuary counties.
What Is a Sanctuary City? — Vera Institute
📰 Sources (2)
- Names the enforcement action as 'Operation Midway Blitz'.
- Lists the six states covered by the consent decree: Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky and Wisconsin.
- Notes the Chicago-area crackdown has led to more than 4,000 arrests.
- Confirms the panel was split 2–1 and details the opinion’s reasoning that Judge Cummings overstepped with a blanket release while also faulting the administration for treating all arrestees as subject to mandatory detention.
- Includes a quote from NIJC’s Keren Zwick pledging to keep working to reunite detainees with families.
- Mentions other federal rulings (e.g., in Colorado) limiting warrantless arrests.